Starting on October 15, a two-week exhibition titled "Roots of Crimea" will take place in Kyiv, unveiling the unique history and culture of the Crimean Tatars, Karaites, and Krymchaks. This exhibition is part of the new project "Travel Book. Roots of Crimea," which combines the exhibition with a series of animated films. The exhibition will run until October 29.

Visitors can expect to see:

• a literary alphabet showcasing the culture of the Crimean Tatars, Karaites, and Krymchaks;
• works by Crimean Tatar artist Rustem Skibin;
• traditional Karaite clothing;
• a dress by Gaptulvalnya inspired by the national attire of the Crimean Tatars.

The opening will feature a panel discussion about the preservation of indigenous peoples in Ukraine, with artists, experts, and community representatives participating. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion starting at 5 PM.

"We aim to demonstrate that Ukraine's history encompasses all its peoples. The Crimean Tatars, Karaites, and Krymchaks may be few in number, but they have a significant impact on Ukrainian culture. Our goal is to amplify their voices," said co-founder of the Travel Book project, Iryna Taranenko.

"Travel Book. Roots of Crimea" includes three animated films voiced by Ukrainian celebrities, introducing both children and adults to the traditions and daily lives of indigenous peoples of Crimea: from the cezve and Crimean Tatar coffee to Karaite kenases and Krymchak Torah. Experts and media partners, including journalist Akim Halimov, who voiced one of the films, were involved in creating the project materials.

According to project organizers, the 2001 census recorded about 250,000 Crimean Tatars in Ukraine, while the number of Karaites was around 1,000, and Krymchaks numbered just about 400. This makes their communities among the smallest in the world, rendering them particularly vulnerable to the loss of language and cultural heritage.

"The Travel Book aims to bring Crimea back into the awareness of children and adults alike, reviving the culture of indigenous peoples so that everyone can feel that Crimea is part of Ukraine, and that Crimean Tatars, Karaites, and Krymchaks are an integral part of the Ukrainian political nation," the organizers emphasize.

Facts about the indigenous peoples of Crimea:

• Crimean Tatars: they established the world's first Muslim democratic state — the Crimean People's Republic, where women gained the right to vote earlier than in France or the USA.
• Karaites: known for their high level of education and literacy — the first printing house in Chufut-Kale printed books in Hebrew in the 15th century.
• Krymchaks: the smallest and most mysterious indigenous people of Ukraine, who preserved their culture despite the numerous tragedies of the 20th century.

About the project "Travel Book. Ukraine"

"Travel Book. Ukraine" is a nationwide educational and cultural project that creates illustrated books, animated films, and interactive exhibitions in an edutainment format. The "Travel Book. Roots of Crimea" project is implemented by the creative agency Green Penguin Media with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Fund.